OK, so you all will look at this pathetic pile of wire and wood and laugh. Please understand that I have NO (as in NONE!) carpentry skills WHATSOEVER. I even had to borrow EVERY tools I used, so that ought to tell you something about my experience and skills in this kind of thing. I sincerely do admire those who are good working with their hands, and I deeply regret never developing those skills. I'm good in my own field, but that has nothing to do with building things or carpentry. I literally had to BORROW every single tool I used, which should give you some idea of my carpentry/coop building experience and knowledge. Also, even though it appears to be a rural setting, I am actually 2 blocks from the courthouse- right downtown! I have a small yard, but this corner is grown up (on purpose, for privacy). By the way, to make the appearance even worse not only do my poor carpentry skills show up all over this pen, but so do the materials. I scavenged a lot of the wood, including the old door and door frame which had been laying in a neighbors yard for over a year. I should have painted it at least- and am going to do so soon. That also meant using different sized lumber (lenth and width both) I'm new to ALL of this- both building pens AND raising birds (I have 4 turkeys now, and have quail eggs in the 'bator....why didn't ya'll tell me this is habbit forming!?!)

I've never really built ANYTHING, so even though you guys will be amused, I'm kinda proud of it! I know full well it doesn't even compare to the AMAZING, incredible coops/pens/runs that I see on here (you all blow me away!) If you are wondering about shelter....I actually aquired a FREE (told you I scavage) 8 x 8 plastic storage building like Lowe's sells to store lawnmowers, etc. But a.) I can't the roof back on it after mooving it, and b.) I haven't figured out the best way to attach it to my pen (I'm open for suggestions).

Anyway, since so called "normal" people I know just don't get excited about chicken coops (I know...it makes no sense to me either!) I had to show my little attempt to someone who can relate. Please be gentle on me, but if you have any suggestions for improvement, I'm open for them. Otherwise, enjoy seeing my masterpiece!! haha

Kevin

^^^ I had to throw in one pic of my 4 turkeys (I'm not exactly a big operation! ha)

^^^ This is my future coop/shelter. What do you think about its potential???

You should be proud-for a first attempt, I'd say pretty doggone good!
The only advice I would give you(and you may have already done this) is to make some kind of barrier so nothing can dig under your coop-if you are in the city/town, you could be dealing with digging predators like dogs or possums.

Kevin, you FRAMED your run. How cool is that!?!?! I used T-posts because I couldn't figger out HOW to make a frame (for anything, much less a run).

I put together an A-"Frame" coop, which was supposed to be a "tractor," which implies one should be able to move it about, but built it with 2x4s and 3/4 inch plywood and a zillion nails. Plus all the hardware cloth. And hardware for the hatches and doors. That sucker is never going to go ANYwhere. It's a permanent A-frame coop. A wonky one.

The next coop I built is one that required no framing. Honest. It's 8x4, but I just nailed 2x2s to the sides of all wall pieces and then nailed those to the floor and each other.

If it works for the turkeys it's good! I don't see the point of building a gingerbread house or London Zoo aviary unless it's in full view of prissy urban neighbours who have deodorant sticks in their dog kennels and paint their grass green in hot weather.

Our first coop was made from green sticks from the jungle down the road and has a tin roof. The roof was a mistake. It's too hot. Reed works much better.

The second coop was made using wood recycled from machine packing cases, bug mesh and reeds.

Your future coop might need some ventilation and daylight. Can your arrange it with one side open and covered with chicken wire?

Looks good. I hope you have started planning for your expansion project! You are just going to want more and more birds! I have been afraid to raise turkeys. I am also afraid to break the seal beyond collecting, um I mean raising chickens. If I start with other types of fowl, I am going to be committed for a serious addiction.

My only advice, if you haven't thought of it yet, would be to maybe put something heavier than poultry wire on the lower part - like livestock or horse fence. Just in case the local dogs think they might like turkey.